Top 7 mountain hiking spots in asia

Distance of Hike: 2.35km

Duration of Hike: Approximately 2-3 hours to complete

Recommended Period to Go: February to September, avoid monsoon months as it will get cold and wet!

Physical Difficulty: 4/10

Cameron Highlands is the perfect tourist playground! A little-known activity in Cameron Highlands is hiking. Roam through the tea plantation, climb up the hills – there’s so much to do in Cameron Highlights.

How about Gunung Irau? Known for its muddy trails and interesting mossy paths, Gunung Irau is visited by many throughout the year.

The weather is perfect for a hike, but be careful to note that it will get colder and windier as the sun sets, so be prepared.

Part of the trail can get muddy and wet, so be sure to have a good pair of hiking boots to last you through the hike!

“Mud, sweat, but no tears. Be prepared to get your footwear soaked in mud. I hiked with a pair of old sports shoes but threw them away as it takes a while to wash off the mud, so it's best to get hiking boots. Be aware of where you step as some muddy areas are quite deep - possibly up to knee level.”

Andy Tay
Hiking Sport Leader, Decathlon Bedok

Grippy soles, waterproof lining, full length cushioning and lightweight – this pair of mountain hiking shoes is a must-have for hikes.

Distance of Hike: 14km Round Trip

Duration of Hike: Approximately 5 hours

Recommended Period to Go: April to October
Note that it is closed every first Friday of the month!

Difficulty: 2/10

Known for emitting blue flames, Mount Ijen is flocked by tourists who visit to witness this amazing sight.

The blue flames appear due to the combustion of sulfuric gases which emerge from volcano cracks at high temperatures and pressures.

The hike up Mount Ijen can get tough as it is steep. However, it is highly recommended that you start early in the morning so you cannot see how steep it is!

Be prepared with a good gas mask to protect yourself from sulfuric gases as they can cause irritability and discomfort.

Trekking through dark conditions in the morning and night means that a headlamp is essential for all mountain hikers. 

This lightweight 80-lumen headlamp can shine up to 25m in distance. 

It also comes with 3 lighting modes: red, eco white and strong white.

Duration of Hike: 20-30 minute hike, depending on fitness level.

Recommended Period to Go: April to October

Difficulty: 1/10

Mount Bromo has increasingly attracted tourists from all around the world. Famous for its spectacular view, hikers begin in the wee hours of the morning to experience the magnificent sunrise.

The difficulty level may not be that high but it is highly recommended that you go prepared!

The reason for the short hike is due to the mountain already being higher than the sea level, so the actual hike will be pretty quick for you to enjoy some fantastic views.

"A popular tourist destination, but it has a beautiful view of Mount Bromo! It's more of a leisure tourist attraction, so be aware that there will be a sea of people."

Musafir Lara Bin Selamat
Hiking Sport Leader, Decathlon Singapore Lab

A reliable hiking backpack should be one of your priorities when preparing for a hike! 

Complete with a padded belt for security and ventilated back for comfort, this lightweight and water-repellent 20L mountain hiking backpack was designed for hikers in mind. 

Distance of Hike: 8km

Duration of Hike: Approximately 3 hours!

Recommended Period to Go: October to April

Difficulty: 2/10

Dragon’s Back is a must-visit when you are in Hong Kong! Named the best urban hike in Asia, Dragon’s Back invites you to have an experience of a lifetime.

It’s a relatively easy hike for all and it’s a great place to start your hiking adventures.

On the trail, you are promised spectacular views of Hong Kong which will make everything worth it! 

Complete with non-slip rubber outsoles and gripping studs, this sturdy pair will definitely ensure the best grip on whatever trail you embark on.

It's also waterproof, lightweight, and comes with full-length cushioning.

Distance: 21km

Duration of Hike: 2 days

Recommended Period to Go: April - November

Difficulty: 8/10

Mount Semeru is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Java, Indonesia.

This trek will require great physical fitness as the paths are steep and uneven. Some trekkers might take 3 days to conquer this mountain.

Mount Semeru is known to be an abode of the Gods and is highly respected by locals.

The second day of the trek is usually dedicated to reaching the summit and you should be prepared for the temperature!

"Be sure to train before embarking on this trail! It's not going to be an easy one to conquer, but the views will be worth it."

Rabinder Singh
Hiking Sport Leader, Decathlon City Square Mall

Distance of Hike: 2,300m climbing height

Duration of Hike: 2 days, 1 night trek

Recommended Period to Go: April - September

Difficulty: 7/10

Mount Kerinci is the tallest volcano in Indonesia and it becoming more popular with hikers & trekkers.

Kerinci is a highly active volcano and eruptions happen from time to time.

This mountain will push you to your limits and this will be a great experience for those who are physically fit to conquer this mountain!

However, you have to always prepare fairly well to scale this mountain and never downplay the demands of Mount Kerinci.

Distance of Hike: 13,435 feet above sea level

Duration of Hike: Approximately 2D/1N or 3D/2N hike

Recommended Period to Go: March - September

Physical Difficulty: 6/10

Mount Kinabalu is one of the highest peaks in South East Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing at 13,435 feet, many flock to conquer the mountain every year. 

After the 2015 earthquake, Sabah National Parks has made it compulsory to complete the trek in at least 2 Days 1 Night, as many trails were destroyed. 

Be careful, the temperatures are the peak can dip to 0 degrees in the morning, so prep yourself well by getting the right gear!